Why Are There Black Spots on My Wallpaper?

If you have noticed damage to your wallpaper, whether it be bubbling, peeling, or staining, it is most likely that humidity and dampness are the root causes. These are primarily cosmetic issues, but if you see small black flecks on your wallpaper, this is a more serious issue. It’s a sign of mold. 

Leaks or Seepage 

Dampness is a prerequisite for any kind of mold and mildew formation. This is why kitchens and bathrooms are the rooms in any property that are most prone to mold formation. If you have an unsealed crawl space or damage to the structure of your property, however, the relative humidity in your home can rise to dangerous levels. This can lead to many different issues that range from cosmetic in nature to structurally damaging. 

Sources of moisture can be broken up into internal and external. Internal sources are generally those that are connected to your home’s plumbing system in some way. However, they can also come from drainage systems like your sump pump. External sources are those that allow moisture into your crawl space from the outside like foundation cracks or bowing walls. 

Mold Formation 

However moisture gets into your property, mold and mildew formation are sure to form once the levels of humidity have risen high enough. This can cause a number of issues for you and your property. The most noticeable side effects are the appearance of discolored spots and the spread of a musty odor. However, there are different kinds of mold that can have different effects. 

Some forms of mold are most likely to settle on wood, for example, while others may be best suited to spreading inside HVAC ducts. Once mold takes root, however, the process of removing it remains much the same no matter what kind of mold it is. The formations will be treated and removed, but the underlying cause of moisture will have to be dealt with as well!